Top 5 Myths About Skylights Busted by Solatube

Adding skylights to your home is one of the best ways to bring in natural light and create a more welcoming, airy environment. Whether you’re considering brightening up an office, illuminating a hallway or opening up your living room, skylights can do wonders.

However, despite their benefits, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about skylights that leave homeowners hesitant to install them. At Solatube, we have heard them all – from concerns about leaks to fears about skyrocketing energy bills and everything in between.

In reality, though, pretty much all of these myths are either outdated or simply untrue. So, to help you separate fact from fiction, we decided it was time to debunk some of the top misconceptions about skylights. Let’s dive in!

Myth #1: Skylights Leak a Lot

The Myth:

One of the most common concerns homeowners have is that skylights are prone to leaking. The idea stems from older skylight designs, which were often poorly sealed or improperly installed, and frequently caused water damage and other issues.

People think that as soon as it rains, hails, or snows, water will inevitably seep through – causing expensive repairs and damage to their homes.

The Reality:

While leaks were a problem with older models, modern skylights are designed with advanced materials that make leaks a thing of the past. Today’s skylights feature leak-proof flashing kits, durable seals, and proper insulation that keep water out.

The key to a leak-free skylight is professional installation. When installed correctly, skylights can last for decades without any issues. And when you work with a Solatube Premier Dealer, a water-tight installation is exactly what you’ll get.

Myth #2: Skylights Make Your Home Too Hot in the Summer

The Myth:

Many homeowners are concerned that installing skylights will turn their homes into greenhouses during the summer months. The belief is that skylights allow too much sunlight and heat to pour in, making rooms uncomfortably hot.

This myth leads people to avoid skylights for fear of increased cooling bills.

The Reality:

Modern skylights are designed with energy efficiency in mind, using advanced glass technology to block excessive heat while still allowing plenty of natural light to enter. Features like UV filters and low-E glass drastically reduce heat gain – keeping your home cool in the summer.

Solatube residential skylights also offer shades that allow you to control the amount of light that enters your space.

Myth #3: Skylights Can Only Be Installed On Specific Roofs

The Myth:

Many people believe that skylights can only be installed on specific types of roofs, like sloped or pitched roofs. The misconception is that properties with flat roofs or unusual roof designs cannot accommodate skylights – leading some homeowners to think skylights aren’t an option for them.

The Reality:

There are skylight options for just about every type of roof – including flat ones. Both traditional skylights and tubular systems can be adapted to work with various roof pitches, materials, and structures.

At Solatube, we produce a wide variety of flashings that allow our residential skylights on almost any roof.

Myth #4: Skylights Are Not Energy Efficient

The Myth:

Many homeowners shy away from skylights because they believe skylights are energy inefficient. The idea is that skylights create drafts or allow too much heat in during the summer – making it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature.

As a result, people worry that skylights will increase their heating and cooling costs.

The Reality:

Modern skylights are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Today’s skylights come equipped with features like low-E glass, multiple glazing layers, and insulated frames – which help reduce heat transfer and keep your heating and cooling bills in check.

Myth #5: Installing Skylights Is Expensive and Complicated

The Myth:

Many homeowners believe that installing skylights is a costly and complex process, requiring significant renovations and a large budget. The fear is that the installation will involve major structural changes, take a long time to complete, and result in expensive bills.

The Reality:

Skylights can be surprisingly affordable and easy to install – especially when purchased from a reputable dealer like Solatube.

Our residential skylights can be installed on just about any roof in as little as a few hours. Best of all, they qualify for federal tax credits to help lower your costs.

Now that you know how accessible and energy-efficient skylights can be, are you ready to install one in your home? If so, don’t delay. Contact your local Solatube dealer today. We are ready to help you turn your dream into a reality!